One of the most popular recording artists in Israel at the moment, Omer Adan, has revealed that he turned down an offer to appear at Eurovision this year. His reason why? He refuses to violate Shabbat.
Omer Adam’s PR manager revealed to Israeli newspaper, The Jerusalem Post, that he could not accept KAN’s offer to performed at the event:
Omer Adam received an offer to appear in a performance at the 2019 Eurovision. After a meeting between the sides, because rehearsals for the finale would be held on Shabbat, Omer decided – despite the great honor – not to take part in the event. He thanks them from the bottom of his heart for approaching him.
Omer Adam’s PR Management
Who is Omer Adam?
Omer Adam was born in the USA in 1993, but grew up in Israel. He first rose to fame after competing in Kokhav Nolad, a reality show focusing on finding the next Israeli pop star. The show has given us Eurovision names such as Harel Skaat, Shiri Maimon, Hovi Star and Boaz Mauda. However, producers disqualified him after it was discovered that he was under the minimum age for applying for the show (16 years).
Despite his disqualification, he has gone on to enjoy great popularity and success in Israel. Last year, he had a hit with Shnei Meshugaim (Two Crazy People). It became the most viewed music video in Israel with over 50 million views.
Although Omer Adam is not traditionally observant, he has always made a point of not working on Shabbat.
What is Shabbat? Why is it important?
Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest, in which Jews, Samaritans and certain Christians remember the Biblical creation of the heavens and the Earth in six days and the Exodus of the Hebrews, and look forward to a future Messianic Age (an age in which the messiah reigns and brings universal peace and brotherhood).
Shabbat is observed from sunset on Friday evening until the appearance of three stars in the sky on Saturday night. During this time, any sort of work is prohibited by Jewish law. This can range from farming or cooking to such acts as lifting heavy objects or pressing a button.
Orthodox and Conservative Jews views have much stricter views regarding Shabbat. If an electrical appliance’s purpose is to generate light or heat, then it should be turned off. Automobiles can also not be used. Some technology has been modified to allow for Shabbat. For example, a “Shabbat elevator” stops automatically at every floor, allowing people to step on and off without anyone having to press any buttons.
What are your thoughts on this? Are you concerned about how the Shabbat could affect this year’s Eurovision? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and on social media @ESCXTRA!
